Dealing with a bad race? Disappointed? Tips and tricks to come back stronger!

[@davidabkk]

Its that balance between trying to do your best and hit your potential and not taking it too seriously because its not our job it should be enjoyable for the most part, it shouldnt be an obsession that adds more stress to your life. I remember finishing a 10km race and being really miserable that my time wasnt what i was hoping for and then i had to tell myself.. hang on a minute who cares, i still got up realy early on sunday morning and ran a hard 10km when evryeyoe else was still in bed, should still feel proud

[@daniduc]

"Just think how amazing it is you made to the start line" -- wise words, Ben, and I urge everyone to take this very seriously. Since February 2020 I haven't being able to run a single (non virtual) race and only 2 virtual, be it due to the pandemic, injury or a couple of (non running related) surgeries. I was registered for my first marathon this October, but just a couple of weeks before, I picked up a plantar fasciitis that is still with me to this day. Running and racing is a privilege, for which I am grateful, even when it's hard or doesn't go according to plan. Thanks for the video!

[@nickrose1263]

Hi Ben, I had a shocker of a London Marathon. Aiming for 4.29 and finished in 5.30!!!! started bang on my slow pace for the half and then tried to pick up speed - slowly - over the next few miles. Just run out of energy at mile 16. fuelled up, was hydrated but cant explain what happened. really disappointed, no sense of achievement and felt like i had wasted the last 6 months in training. Medal is in the drawer and tee shirt not been worn! However, have now entered the Brighton marathon for April 22 - which will be my 10th - so looking forward to that and learning from October's marathon. keep up the great work - love the films, your honesty and humour! Top Man. #initforthelongrun!

[@annaz9168]

I needed this. I crossed the finish line at my marathon yesterday and immediately started crying. We put so much time/effort into a race like that and to come up short (a lot short for me) is devastating. It helps to have perspective!

[@barriehobbs4533]

For most of the year a 3.35 marathon looked very possible. After a disasterous September and October I knew it was all about survival and jogged across the Bucharest finish line in 4.16......and laughed. Well what else can you do? Actually I quite enjoyed it. I took it really slowly chatted to as many people as possible, said thank you to all the marshals I passed (and the Romanians who cheered me on) and congratulated myself that at 56 I was out there doing something which still most people can't imagime being able to do. Looking back I recognise I owe so much to running and running owes me nothing. And sometimes you have to accept running will take it's payment from you.

[@barrelvisor]

Wise words, sir. Setting expectations is seriously important.

[@ollieflj]

Wonderful video and advice, Ben. So much online is about how great someone did and how amazing training is going but you really nail reality here! Keeping off Social Media is top advice, and taking breaks when we are struggling in general is a healthy step! Thank you for your honesty and genuine positivity.

[@christopheryankey]

Really needed this video, Ben! I underperformed in a half this past weekend and it was getting me a bit down. Coming off of my first ever half marathon three weeks ago, it's clear now that I should have given my body a bit longer to recover since I'm still new at this. I learned a lot though, got some great pacing practice and still really enjoyed the day. Ready for a longer training block as I work towards my first marathon in Brooklyn in the spring!

[@BenParkes]

For newer runners it takes even longer to recover from a race.. especially a half or full marathon. You’re learning all the time through.. it’s new and after a while you’ll get to know what your body can withstand and how long recovery takes you. All the best for your first block of marathon training and the race next year! 🇺🇸

[@christopheryankey]

@@BenParkes Thanks Ben! I appreciate all you do.

[@bh4560]

I enjoy the community. Runners tend to be very friendly. I like the process too. Great vid as per. 👌💪

[@douglasmoore1251]

My first marathon (NYC) fell apart at 13.1 this weekend and I had to drag myself to the finish line. While I didn't get the time I thought I would get, I learned a lot in the process and had an absolute blast (nothing can prepare you for the crowds in NYC). I proud of my medal and for not giving up. Giving my body a chance to recover for the next few weeks and then I'm gonna get back to work. Planning for an even better 2022.

[@judahweesner2651]

I needed this, just got back from my 1500 race at nationals, was in sub 4:30 shape a month ago and ran a 5:04😭

[@koproinsias]

You are on a roll. These last few vids have been excellent. Keep up the good work.

[@jerrylangan3435]

Thanks Ben. This video came at the right time. Bad performance this weekend in a half. But we push on. Cheers !!

[@call_me_cooper]

Limping around my apartment after what would be my worst ever marathon run. This was my second race in 2 months. Prior to that, I had only done 1 other marathon (like, 5 years ago) - Going in I wasn’t completely sure how it would turn out. I has taken off 2 weeks due to an injury. The first 15 miles went great. Then I hit that wall. Then I extended my left leg in a way that didn’t feel all that natural. Then I basically slow limped the remaining 5 miles, thus adding on SO much time. At a certain point I just surrendered to the fact that things didn’t turn out as planned. I accepted that I’d likely come in much later than I had desired. And I prepared myself for what I knew was going to be a bit of a longer recovery before I’d do another race. - I’m thinking about 6 months before I do another long race. - A part of my ego wants to beat myself up for such ‘poor’ results BUT a deeper part of me is like… Homie! You did it! And you learned SO much about yourself in the process!

[@lifeinblackshort]

Great video Ben I'll take a few notes from this. I'm still struggling with the disappointment from Wrexham marathon. I ran great till 25 mile. Put in the best training block ever and I don't think I'll be that fit again. I have no confidence, I'm trying my best to get it back.

[@MrApfc]

What do you mean ?! You got that fit, you will get even fitter. Only logical

[@BenParkes]

Yeah it can be hard.. I’ve ran a 67 minute half and last weekend ran 1:21.. just a huge gap! But I did it before, so for sure can do it again. Try not to focus on the best running day you ever had.. instead focus on the weeks and months ahead, putting a plan in place to enjoy your running first and foremost. No reason why with some good planning you can put in another solid training block and crack that marathon how you want to!

[@JonnyKibble]

Awesome advice Ben! I always flip it and think how boring running/cycling would be if it was always plain sailing! Just shows how resilient yourself and other runners are that keep coming back stronger :D

[@uras1]

Great tips. Knowing your intended pace before race and sticking to it race day is always good. As you said people always jump the gun and get burnt by it!

[@hectormoraga3780]

Thanks for the advice.... It is applicable to a 30-32k run previous to the marathon date. ... Cheers Ben... Brereton jojojo 🇨🇱!!!

[@jonmarkbaldwin]

Good timing and wise words in this vlog, Ben! I raced my first 10k this weekend and was slightly disappointed to miss my goal (Yes, my A,B, and C goals all missed!) but I’m trying very hard not to mentally label it a failure because there’s so much to take away from it and learn for next time!

[@tjok4]

Thanks, Ben. Good advice.

[@paulreeves4987]

thank you Ben !!!!

[@gokiwi2642]

Thanks Ben, that’s great lots to think about there, wow 100 marathons incredible stuff, I’ve done only 3 marathons & I feel like each one went perfect, because I know I did my best marathon on the day, awesome keep up the great videos Ben 😀

[@Notnotcam]

Great video idea Ben, thank you

[@The_classicnoob]

Thanks Ben ..great vlog

[@jonathanvedia5443]

Good advise, Hope you are doing well

[@derrunn3r613]

DON'T PANIC This has been, and still is, one of the most useful advices that has ever been given to me.

[@robwetherell]

Cracking content as always. 👍

[@davidcallan7844]

Good advice, thanks.🤘😎🏃‍♂️

[@giovannitertulli4962]

100 marathons? That is remarkable!

[@Kilsythrunner]

I’ve been struggling ever since the Manchester Marathon. My disappointment is still lingering a month later and impacting my mood. Hopefully come out of it soon

[@today-nl]

Great video!!!

[@dirtymike3329]

Just had a terrible workout. This video definitely helps. Makes me feel awful when I’m this slow. I

[@davidmellor5605]

Felt like this after my 1st marathon in manchester last month. Was ill the week leading into the race, tried to run my target pace and it was just too much. Suffered from about mile 13! Lacking motivation now but will get back to it soon

[@tom_the_triplets_dad]

Did you film this partly for Seth as his New York race didn’t quite go to plan 💩😆

[@BenParkes]

I’m not that mean!! A few people requested this one via Instagram..

[@ericpascual4238]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Ben. I always struggle to gauge my pace on the early part of the race. What tips can you share on how to use your watch how to run your pace?

[@gary_runs]

Cheers Ben 😊

[@helenwoollven3116]

Good advice, especially re staying off social media for a bit!

[@danielconde13]

Being haunted by poor performance on race days, even though feeling great during trainings - either by simply ending up exhausted, or/and with cramps. This year, two half marathons and one 29K trail, all tainted with these problems. And eventually, that begins to mess up with your head. Going for my first ever Ultra on December 4th.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Yeah I'd like a 12 month marathon plan. Can't find a good one for free on the web.

[@AS-ds5zm]

Great video Ben! Which is the one marathon that you ran well? Valencia or an earlier one?

[@BenParkes]

Valencia was a perfect day!

[@CM-lz1cm]

Recently I noticed that me fellow competitors were wearing nike carbon supershoes. Do these really make a big difference to older runners like me !

[@iberiksoderblom]

A week ago I had a trail marathon where I totally died at 38K and mostly walked-jogged the rest. To punish my body for failing me, I've signed up for a 75K !

[@Crismans843]

Not sure about the advice. My marathon training plan suggested a half marathon as preparation about a month out from my goal race.

[@oliveuk]

That sounds correct to me.

[@Alex.1739]

How many grams carbs per hour do you take on Ben? I have 30g at an hour then 30g every 45 min there after. Be interested, great vid

[@peterbampton-clare2844]

"I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways that didn't work"

[@aethylwulfeiii6502]

Notes: brought a uci legal road bike to an unrestricted time trial. It’s like the first few people in the pack are riding bat mobiles that are technically not bicycles.

[@fabsterun]

My bad race is this Sunday... coming Sunday why.. cause the whole rabocup in the Netherlands had been cancelled by your favorite pandemic COVID-19..

[@troymorgan4955]

I've tried running with hat back to front - doesn't work for me - flaps about

[@JemArbuzy]

Hey Ben, do you even fuel or drink water during half-marathon races?

[@BenParkes]

Rarely have gels. But will sip water from the aid stations.. but no more .. unless it’s over 20 Celsius. But I’m running (time wise) quickly than most.. so for runners over 1:20+ for the half, then they should certainly consider taking on some carbs during the race.

[@JemArbuzy]

Thanks a lot Ben, makes sense!!

[@gregdunning9527]

If you don't have lows you won't have highs 😉

[@BM24DK]

Ben got the inspiration for this video from Seth Demoor's recent performance at the NYC Marathon? 😂😂😂

[@rych7852]

All Seth has to do is NOT eat a load of high fibre foods (Bananas and Oatmeal!) and a gallon of coffee the day before, and the morning of, the race! And then helping that by eating multiple Caffeine Gels. It's almost like this stuff is a surprise to him! 😂 Having said that, I'm getting bored of SJDM now. The videos have taken a nose dive in terms of useful content. And I cant be bothered to see him making another cup of coffee or opening his fridge (with go pro inside!) or talking about his family. And lets not get started on the fact in 1 video he's actually set up a camera, then got back into bed and pretended to sleep! 😂 I do notice his training does seem odd. eg Strava says loads of 120mpw! Which suggests not a lot of rest time. All seems a bit chaotic and not structured. There's no Sunday is Long Run day every week. Tuesday is Hills etc But that's what happens when you prioritise vlogging every day, regardless of merit, over quality. Whereas Ben here (or @theGingerRunner) would clearly rather put out a video as required.

[@tomkusal]

My 2nd marathon did not go as planned but after 3 weeks I smashed my half marathon PB so I'm not whining :D

[@Tonyr2]

Can I flip this Ben. What do you do when, as I did on Sunday, you unexpectedly run a half marathon pb when you really had no right to? Hilly course, no decent training block for several months and from out of left field you break your 3 year half marathon pb when previously I have never come close. Don't get me wrong absolutely made up beyond words but what next?

[@lean2281]

Shut up

[@thefirstluck5409]

I made that mistake that I ran a sub 2hour half marathon so I expexted to run sub 4 marathon few weeks after.